Find the Best Diplomas

Law diplomas are most common in the United Kingdom where they are a postgraduate law course offered in England and Wales. In the UK law diplomas are known as Common Professional Examinations (CPE) or Graduate Diplomas in Law (GDL) and are used to qualify non-law graduates for careers in law. These diplomas are sometimes called law conversion courses because they allow students to convert their undergraduate or graduate degrees into law degrees.

Law diplomas can be taken as full or part-time studies and are generally completed over a one to three year period depending on the course requirements and intensity of study. Law diplomas range from full qualifications to credit towards a law degree, depending on the awarding institution and method of study. Some law diplomas involve coursework, while others are research-based and assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

In the UK, law diplomas are regulated by the Law Society of England Wales and are designed to allow students of various academic backgrounds to pursue law as a career. Other current and former Commonwealth countries or regions often offer similar law diploma courses. In South Africa, postgraduate law diplomas generally serve as a formalized specialization within a field of law. In Italy and France, successful completion of a law degree and a professional exam confers a law diploma, after which a student can take the oath required to practice law.

If you have an undergraduate or graduate degree and would like to pursue a career in law, use the list below to find law diplomas. You can find out more about each course by clicking on ‘Read Me’ and then contact the admissions office directly using the form on the page.

The University of Law

Kick-start your legal career with our GDL law conversion course, designed for non-law graduates who want to become a solicitor or barrister.
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Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) - full-time

Kick-start your legal career with our GDL law conversion course, designed for non-law graduates who want to become a solicitor or barrister.

Think like a lawyer and build practical legal skills via training using real-life case studies
Explore an area of law that interests you via your own Research Project or Law of Organisations module
With our structured study pattern, foundation module teaching and assessment is spread out so you can focus on selected modules each semester
Course Requirements

A non-standard application route is also available. Any applicant with no or limited formal qualifications will be invited in-center to complete an in-house numeracy and literacy test (for those without GCSE Maths and English at D/3 and C/4 respectively), as well as a formal face-to-face interview. They will also need to provide 2 years of appropriate work experience evidenced in a full CV and one reference....
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Manchester Metropolitan University

Designed to prepare you for life as a solicitor, the LPC programme at Manchester Law School will provide you with a thorough and rigorous start to your career. With an emphasis on simulating real-life legal situations, the course is both practical and interactive, using workshops and effective teaching methods supported by online materials, to help you develop the practical and theoretical skills required for legal practice. You will learn how to think and behave like a legal professional from the outset.
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Our Legal Practice Course (LPC) at Manchester Law School gives you the essential training you need to prepare for life as a solicitor. Our client-focused LPC will give you the legal knowledge, skills and commercial understanding to thrive in today's market, placing an emphasis on simulating real-life legal scenarios.

The course is both practical and interactive, using workshops and effective teaching methods supported by online materials, to help you develop the practical and theoretical skills required for legal practice. You will learn how to think and behave like a legal professional from the outset.

If you are from the UK or EU, you may be eligible for a Postgraduate Loan to fund your studies if you choose the combined Legal Practice Course (LPC) and LLM course, the LLM in Legal Practice (Full Award). Terms and conditions apply....
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BPP University

The Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) is the conversion course for non-law graduates who want to qualify as either solicitors or barristers. We have created additional professional skills workshops to help boost your practical skills, developed in conjunction with leading law firms to prepare you for practice.
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Our GDL is designed to help you make a smooth transition from being a non-law graduate into a career in law. As well as converting your non-law degree, you will benefit from a real insight into life in practice. Our course is delivered by industry specialists, many of whom have been practicing solicitors and barristers. They bring a wealth of practical experience to the classroom and teach in innovative ways, ensuring that you are well prepared for the next stage of your training and can demonstrate a higher competency when applying for training contracts and pupillages.

The Graduate Diploma in Law is often referred to as the conversion course for non-law graduates who wish to qualify as either a solicitor or a barrister. Recruiters actively seek out students with a diverse range of transferable skills, with many firms recruiting half of their trainees from a non-law (GDL) background.
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University of Essex Online

OnlineFull time16 monthsOpen EnrollmentUnited KingdomColchester

Our PG Dip International Trade and Commercial Law course* offers an advanced qualification that is designed to build on your knowledge from the PG Cert programme modules and also introduce legal research skills and methods, international carriage of goods, private international law, intellectual property law and international commercial dispute resolution.
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Our PG Dip International Trade and Commercial Law course* offers an advanced qualification that is designed to build on your knowledge from the PG Cert programme modules and also introduce legal research skills and methods, international carriage of goods, private international law, intellectual property law and international commercial dispute resolution.

Law is a widely recognized and highly respected subject and the knowledge gained on our PG Dip International Trade and Commercial Law will open up many opportunities for you to develop your career a high-level career in an international law firm, multinational company or governmental organization.

*The start date of this course is still subject to University approval. In the event that approval is not granted by your course start date, an alternative date will be offered or a full refund is given....
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European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (ODER) - Faculty of Law

In some professional situations, the opportunity or the need to undertake postgraduate study may be limited to obtain LL.M degree. For some participants, the need to engage in a postgraduate study may be restricted either to obtaining a broad understanding of the field or to focusing on the very specific subject matter.
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Diploma 2018. Diploma in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Full-time or Part-time Study

In some professional situations, the opportunity or the need to undertake postgraduate study may be limited to obtain LL.M degree. For some participants, the need to engage in a postgraduate study may be restricted either to obtaining a broad understanding of the field or to focusing on the very specific subject matter. In still other cases, the demands of professional life may allow only shorter periods of study for obtaining a postgraduate qualification. For all these reasons, our postgraduate program also includes the possibility of the award of either a Diploma or Certificate in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law based on shorter periods of coursework study....
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Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology (NMIT)

This programme is designed to provide knowledge and understanding of Maritime Law which is significant for the effectiveness of maritime transportation operations.
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Maritime law, which is often referred to as admiralty law, is a fundamental branch of law that regulates commerce and navigation on the seas or other navigable waters. It covers a broad spectrum of matters such as the development of legislation, both nationally and internationally; customs and excise regulations; the fishing industry; human rights and employment issues usually relating to the crew; insurance claims; property damage; the implications of stowaways on vessels; pollution; personal injuries; wreck and salvage; piracy; and container and passenger liner matters, etc. - Source: ("What is Maritime Law and what is its function..??", Kavisha Baboolal).

Industry Focus

This programme is designed to provide knowledge and understanding of Maritime Law which is significant for the effectiveness of maritime transportation operations. This Diploma programme emphasizes the importance of law and regulation compliance in the end-to-end process of maritime transportation. It also explores the efficiency of the process that affects the successful delivery of cargo to its destination from the legal standpoint....
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The University of Melbourne - Online

OnlinePart time1 yearJanuary 2019AustraliaAustralia Online

The Graduate Diploma (Global Competition and Consumer Law) is one of only a few courses in the world, that covers both competition and consumer policy, law, enforcement and institutions, and from multidisciplinary perspectives. If you have a deep interest in the field and are looking to develop or advance your expertise, credentials, and career in the growing and challenging area of global competition and consumer policy, law and enforcement – whether as a private practitioner, corporate advisor, compliance professional, public policy-maker, regulator or enforcement agency official, or member of a non-governmental organisation - this course is for you.
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The Graduate Diploma (Global Competition and Consumer Law) is one of only a few courses in the world, that covers competition and consumer policy, enforcement and institutions, and law from multidisciplinary perspectives.

When you study with the Melbourne Law School, you will gain a qualification from the leading law school in Australia and Asia and the 8th best law school in the world*. You’ll learn from globally recognized academics and experts from across the world who have held or hold leadership roles in private practice, competition and consumer authorities, intergovernmental organizations, and adjudicatory bodies, amongst others, in the competition and consumer law field.

University of Westminster - Westminster Law School

This intensive course is designed for non-law graduates of any discipline, or overseas law graduates who wish to qualify as either barristers or solicitors. The course begins with a two-week introduction to the English legal system and the legal profession. You will then study the seven foundation subjects.
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This intensive course is designed for non-law graduates of any discipline, or overseas law graduates who wish to qualify as either barristers or solicitors. The course begins with a two-week introduction to the English legal system and the legal profession. You will then study the seven foundation subjects.

If you successfully complete the course you will be eligible for entry on to the LLM in Legal Practice Course (which incorporates the LPC) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC).

We have been successfully running this conversion course since 1977 and our students have taken a variety of first degrees at a wide range of universities. Our teaching team contains a rich mix of those who are professionally qualified and others who are active researchers. The course, therefore, provides a stimulating learning experience. This is reinforced by our small class sizes and the supportive atmosphere within the Westminster Law School....
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City University of London

CampusFull time9 monthsSeptember 2018United KingdomLondon

Preparation for master's degrees in law and litigation. The Graduate Diploma combines academic study, intensive English language teaching, and study skills to prepare you for entry into a university master's degree.
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An academic study, intensive English language teaching, and study skills to prepare you for entry into a master's degree in international law and litigation.

Why apply for the Graduate Diploma programme?
university placement for all successful students
a quality-assured university programme
access to City, University of London support and facilities
Where does it take me?

This course leads to the following master's degrees at City, University of London:

Law

LLM Criminal Litigation
LLM International Commercial Law
LLM Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution
LLM Public International Law
LLM Master of Laws
LLM Dispute Resolution
LLM European Commerical Law
LLM International Banking and Finance
LLM International Economic Law
LLM International Energy Law and Regulation
LLM International Human Rights
LLM Maritime Law
LLM Professional Advocacy
What is special about the programme?
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Université Catholique de Bukavu

CampusFull timeFebruary 2018Congo, DRBukavu

The Catholic University of Bukavu organizes a DES (Diploma of Specialized Studies) in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law through the Regional Center for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CERDHO) of the Faculty of Law .
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Diploma of Specialized Studies in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

The Catholic University of Bukavu organizes a DES (Diploma of Specialized Studies) in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law through the Regional Center for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CERDHO) of the Faculty of Law . Enrollment in this program began and will continue until January 30, 2018.

The DES in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law offer the following courses:

Human rights
IHL

The application must contain the following elements:

Letter of registration form addressed to the Vice-Rector Academic Affairs;
Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts certified to the original;
Detailed updated CV;
A passport photo;
Birth certificate (recent less than three months);
Certificate of Fitness (recent three months);
Certificate of good conduct, life, morals and civism (recent less than three months);
Recommendation of two professors;
Employer's recommendation for worker applications;
To have passed at least 65% in the second year of the license and an average of 60% on the whole university course.
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Lancashire Law School - University of Central Lancashire

The GDL is a conversion course which gives non-law graduates or those with an overseas law degree an opportunity to pursue a career in law. It provides a rigorous and challenging learning experience, which is commended by employers. On successful completion of the GDL students can progress to the vocational stage of training; either the Legal Practice Course (LPC), for those wishing to become a solicitor or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) for barristers.
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The GDL is a conversion course which gives non-law graduates or those with an overseas law degree an opportunity to pursue a career in law. It provides a rigorous and challenging learning experience, which is commended by employers. On successful completion of the GDL students can progress to the vocational stage of training; either the Legal Practice Course (LPC), for those wishing to become a solicitor or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) for barristers.

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

Love working with people from all around the world? People looking for a new way of life often put New Zealand at the top of their wish list – but the immigration process can be difficult and confusing; professional advice is vital.
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Love working with people from all around the world? People looking for a new way of life often put New Zealand at the top of their wish list – but the immigration process can be difficult and confusing; professional advice is vital.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

On 1 January 2016 the Graduate Diploma in New Zealand Immigration Advice replaced the Graduate Certificate in New Zealand Immigration Advice as the pathway to licensing as an immigration adviser for New Zealand.

As admission to the Graduate Diploma in New Zealand Immigration Advice has both specified academic and English language requirements, having the necessary documentation to prove that you meet entry criteria will speed the processing of your application....
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Global Edulink

The Legal Secretary Diploma course will teach you all that you need to know about the day-to-day tasks that are involved in running a legal service or a law firm. Our online training programme includes a range of materials such as video tutorials, reading and study materials, an online study platform, and a mentor support service, all of which will help you to study effectively and guide you through the process of developing your legal secretarial skills.
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Are you considering a career as a Legal Secretary? Why not give your prospects a boost by enrolling in the Legal Secretary Diploma Course provided by Global Edulink, one of the UK’s leading providers of professional workplace courses!

The duties of a Legal Secretary are varied. Depending on which department you are employed in, you could find yourself producing legal documents such as wills and court papers, dealing with inquiries from clients, operating a dairy management system, keeping financial records, attending court or police cells with solicitors, delivering documents and undertaking a range of administrative duties.

Legal Secretaries are generally expected to be able to demonstrate excellent secretarial skills, computer literacy and attention to detail. Knowledge of law and legal procedures, the ability to multi-task and a polite a helpful manner can be important....
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1 Training

Legal secretaries provide administrative support for lawyers and legal executives. Once you have some experience you could become a senior secretary, PA or office manager in a larger firm.
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Course Description

An experienced Legal Secretary can earn up to £45,000 a year!

With a well-recognized qualification, you can kick-start a successful career with plenty of room for progression.

Legal secretaries provide administrative support for lawyers and legal executives. Once you have some experience you could become a senior secretary, PA or office manager in a larger firm. You could also go on to further study to become a legal executive or paralegal. In addition, you could also work towards training to be a solicitor or barrister. As you can see, this is an exciting career with room for progression.

A Legal Secretary can work with local authorities, estate agents, the police, or law courts. The daily duties of a Legal Secretary include: preparing legal documents, court forms, and statements, diary management, accompanying solicitors to court or police stations, general admin, handling confidential documents and keeping records....
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University of Technology Sydney

UTS has established expertise and a reputation for providing courses relevant to the needs of the patent and trade mark professions. The UTS Intellectual Property program is the first at an Australian university that fulfils the entire educational requirements for registration as a trade marks attorney and patent attorney in Australia under the relevant regulations.
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The unique feature of this course is that it may be undertaken entirely online, removing the need for students to attend face-to-face classes.

This course provides graduates with an understanding of the principles of the registered trade mark system, the protection of unregistered marks and related forms of protection against misleading or unfair trading conduct in Australia. In addition, graduates understand the content and implication of a patent specification, enabling them to advise upon possible questions of infringement, validity and compliance.

Depending on the subjects taken, graduates may seek registration as a trade mark attorney and/or patent attorney in Australia. Arts administrators or media professionals may enhance career options through building expertise in the commercialisation or management of intellectual property assets. Other career options include: patent and trade marks attorney, IP lawyer, IP portfolio manager, policy maker and government regulator.This course enables overseas registered attorneys to undertake the necessary subjects that the Professional Standards Board requires for Australian registration....
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